Blues Hall of Fame

Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm last admission 4:30pm

Sunday 1-5pm last admission 4:30pm

Phone: (901) 527-2583 | Website: blues.org

The Blues Hall of Fame is a historical record of those who have made the Blues timeless through performance, documentation, and recording. Since its inception in 1980, The Blues Foundation has inducted new members annually into the Blues Hall of Fame for their historical contribution, impact and overall influence on the Blues.

Members are inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in five categories: Performers, Individuals, Classic of Blues Literature, Classic of Blues Recording (Song), Classic of Blues Recording (Album). Accordingly, individuals, recordings and literature are included in the Blues Hall of Fame.

There is no submission or nomination process for induction in to the Blues Hall of Fame. Rather, each year in the fall, a distinguished panel of blues scholars begins the process of discussing who they believe should be given consideration for induction into the Blues Hall of Fame. After some back and forth, they vote in each of the five categories. The number of nominees in a year may vary.

The Blues Foundation has been adding definitive biographical material for each of the inductees. Noted Blues scholar Jim O’Neal has researched and written these sketches which continue to be added to the website as they become available.

The Blues Foundation is currently conducting the Campaign for the Blues Hall of Fame, a $3.5 million capital campaign to add Hall of Fame exhibits to our offices at 421 South Main. For complete information click on Capital Campaign at left. To find out how you can be a part of this project, contact Executive Director Jay Sieleman at 901.527.2583 ext. 12.